Boeing Expects First 777-9 In 2017

August 27, 2015

Boeing said that the 777-9 had reached "firm configuration", meaning the plane's basic design and capabilities have been determined, setting the stage for design of specific parts and systems.

Boeing expects to build the first 777-9 in 2017. Output of the current 777 will not slow during the transition, the company has said, although some observers remain doubtful.

The 777X, a successor to the 777 wide-body introduced in 1995, will have carbon composite wings with folding wingtips and a metal fuselage. It will use 12 percent less fuel and be 10 percent cheaper to operate than competing jets, Boeing said.

The 777-9 will carry 400-to-425 passengers and have a range of 7,600 nautical miles (14,075 km), making it the largest plane in Boeing's lineup by seat capacity. It will be the largest twin-engine plane, though smaller than the four-engine Airbus A380.

Under specifications Boeing released earlier this month, its biggest plane, the 747-8, is no longer its largest in terms of standard seat capacity.

Boeing is using automated technology to help assemble the 777X, and installing autoclaves, or industrial ovens, in a massive new building in Everett, Washington, to cure the wings under heat and pressure, next door to the assembly line.

Boeing said the 777X wingspan will be 235 feet, 5 inches (71.8 m) with wingtips extended and 212 feet, 8 inches (64.8 m) with wingtips folded.

The 777X has 306 firm orders and 14 commitments.

(Reuters)